Cover Member, Method of Producing One Such Member and Dispenser Comprising One Such Member

ABSTRACT

A covering member ( 1 ) for mounting on a fastener ring ( 2 ), the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener device for fastening a dispenser system ( 3 ), such as a pump or a valve, on a receptacle neck ( 40 ), the covering member presenting a general configuration that is substantially cylindrical and that includes an outside wall ( 14 ) and an inside wall ( 15 ) for coming into clamping contact around the ring ( 2 ), the inside wall forming an array of grooves ( 16, 17 ) hollowed out in a base zone ( 151 ), the grooves extending in at least two different directions.

The present invention relates to a covering member for mounting on a fastener ring, the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener device for fastening a dispenser system, such as a pump or a valve, on the neck of a receptacle. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a covering member. The present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a receptacle, a dispenser system (pump or valve), and a fastener device that integrates a covering member of the invention. Such fluid dispensers are frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics, or even pharmacy.

The covering member of the ring can have a plurality of technical and/or appearance functions. A first function of the covering member is technical and concerns retaining or blocking the fastener ring on the neck of the receptacle. The covering member can be used to prevent the ring from deforming outwards, and thus from becoming disengaged from the neck of the receptacle. Another function of the covering member concerns appearance and is to cover the fastener ring in such a manner as to impart thereto an attractive appearance. The covering member is thus made with materials and shapes that make it possible to impart thereto an attractive appearance. The covering member may be manufactured out of plastics material or out of metal.

Regardless of whether the covering member fulfils an appearance or a technical function, it is important that it is retained in stationary manner on the fastener ring. It should not be possible to pull the covering member off the ring easily, merely by pulling on said covering member. It is therefore necessary for the fastening between the covering member and the ring to be able to withstand considerable traction. In order to improve the retention of the covering member on the ring, it is already known for the inside wall of the hoop that is to come into clamping contact with the ring to be made with projections that project inwards. In particular, this is the situation in documents EP-0 704 250 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,941. In the above-mentioned European document, it is envisaged to form oblique portions in relief on the inside wall of the covering member. The oblique portions in relief make it possible to remove the covering member easily from the hoop for recycling purposes. In the above-mentioned American document, it is envisaged to form annular ribs or grooves on/in the inside wall of the covering member. The grooves or ribs impart good ability to withstand traction, but they are completely ineffective with regard to preventing the covering member from turning.

An object of the present invention is to remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a covering member having considerable ability both to withstand traction and to prevent turning.

To achieve this object, the present invention proposes a covering member for mounting on a fastener ring, the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener device for fastening a dispenser system, such as a pump or a valve, on a receptacle neck, the covering member presenting a general configuration that is substantially cylindrical and that includes an outside wall and an inside wall for coming into clamping contact around the ring, the inside wall forming an array of grooves hollowed out in a base zone, the covering member being characterized in that the grooves extend in at least two different directions. Once mounted on the fastener ring, the material constituting the fastener ring creeps into the array of hollowed-out grooves, thereby fastening the covering member effectively on the ring.

Advantageously, at least two grooves cross in such a manner as to form at least one intersection of grooves. Given that the grooves intersect, this signifies that they extend in different directions. The ring that creeps into the intersecting grooves is thus blocked in at least two directions, thereby providing good retention both in turning and in traction.

In addition, it is advantageous for the grooves to intersect substantially at right angles, or at least at an angle that is close to a right angle. This ensures better ability to withstand traction and turning.

In an advantageous embodiment, one fraction of the grooves extends in a first direction, and another fraction of the grooves extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. The grooves preferably extend in such a manner as to form a grid of lozenge shapes. A square can be considered as a special case of a lozenge shape. In another definition, the grooves extend in a respective pattern. However, the grooves can also extend in a completely random pattern.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the grooves are formed by displacing material, such that the grooves are bordered by lumps of displaced material that project from the base zone. The lumps of displaced material also contribute in retaining the covering member on the ring, given that they can bite into the material constituting the fastener ring.

The invention also defines a method of manufacturing a covering member, the method comprising the steps of making a covering member by stamping metal, then machining the grooves by removing material or displacing material. Machining by displacing material is preferable since firstly it does not generate metal debris or swarf, and secondly the lumps of displaced material improve the retention of the covering member on the ring.

The present invention also defines a fluid dispenser comprising a receptacle, a dispenser system, and a fastener device that integrates a covering member as defined above.

The ring advantageously presents an inside diameter that is slightly less than the outside diameter of the fastener ring, such that the material constituting the ring creeps into the array of grooves. The covering member must thus be force-fitted onto the fastener ring so that its constituent material is thus constrained to creep into the array of hollowed-out grooves.

An advantageous principle of the invention is to form grooves hollowed out in the inside wall of the covering member, the grooves having different directions so that they can intersect. The grooves may be rectilinear or they may present any profile, even a random profile.

The invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the invention by way of non-limiting example.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view, partially in section and partially in plan, of a fluid dispenser using a covering member constituting a first embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a view of a detail A of FIG. 1 on a much greater scale.

In the embodiment used to illustrate the present invention, the covering member fulfils both technical and appearance functions. The covering member constitutes a member that is visible from the outside, and that consequently imparts an attractive appearance. This is why the covering member is designated in the following description by a term that is frequently used in the fields of perfumery and cosmetics, namely a “covering hoop”. The term “covering” is particularly appropriate, given that the hoop covers the fastener ring, as can be seen below.

The hoop is designated overall by numerical reference 1. It can be made of plastics material or of metal. It presents a general configuration that is substantially cylindrical with a hollow inside. More precisely, the hoop comprises a tube 10 that is substantially cylindrical, and that includes a bottom end 11, and a top end that extends inwards in the form of an inwardly-directed rim 12. The edge of the inwardly-directed rim 12 defines an opening 13 that leads into the tube 10. The tube 10 includes a visible outside wall 14 and an inside wall 15. The wall 15 defines a base zone 151 that is smooth and cylindrical.

In the invention, the inside wall 15 of the tube 10 forms an array of grooves 16, 17 that presents the general configuration of a trellis, a mesh, or a grid. The grooves are hollowed out relative to the base zone 151 that can form the major portion of the inside wall 15. This signifies that the grooves extend in depth into the thickness of the wall of the tube 10. The array of grooves thus defines numerous lozenge-shaped lands that are constituted by the base zone 151. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the grooves can be divided into two categories, namely grooves 16 and grooves 17. The grooves 16 and 17 are substantially straight or rectilinear, when the covering member is developed in such a manner that its inside wall 15 lies in a plane. However, the grooves 16 differ from the grooves 17 in the orientation or the direction of the grooves in the two categories. The grooves 16 extend from bottom left to top right, whereas the grooves 17 extend from bottom right to top left in FIG. 1. Naturally, it should be considered that the end 11 is at the bottom, and that the end forming the inwardly-directed rim 12 is at the top. The grooves 16 thus cross the grooves 17 at numerous points, such that the array of grooves includes a large number of groove intersections 18. In the example used to illustrate the invention, both categories of grooves 16 and 17 extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis X of the tube 10.

Instead of the array of grooves shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to implement other types of arrays of grooves that form intersections. By way of example, provision can be made for one fraction of the grooves to extend vertically along the axis X, while another fraction of the grooves extends horizontally in such a manner as to form annular grooves. The vertical grooves then provide retention in turning, while the horizontal grooves provide the ability to withstand traction. The angle formed between the grooves can vary over a wide range, but it is preferable for it to be close to a right angle, so as to provide optimum retention both in traction and in turning. The grooves 16 and 17 in FIG. 1 are formed in substantially rectilinear manner, but it is also possible to imagine grooves that are curved. It is also possible to imagine that the inside wall 15 forms only one groove that extends along a path, e.g. a random path, such that the groove intersects itself at different points. Any kind of groove array pattern can be implemented in the present invention, providing the grooves extend in at least two different directions. It is not necessary for the grooves to intersect: an array that is substantially similar to the array in FIG. 1 could be formed, without the grooves intersecting. It suffices that the grooves to leave gaps where they would normally cross one another. However, it is preferable for the grooves to cross.

The covering hoop 1 is for co-operating with a fastener ring 2 that presents a configuration that is entirely conventional for the fields of perfumery and of cosmetics. The ring is preferably made of plastics material. The fastener ring 2 includes a skirt 20 defining tabs 21 that are separated by vertical longitudinal slots 22. Each tab 21 internally forms catches 23 that project inwards. The tabs 21 are separated by the slots 22 in such a manner as to impart to the tabs, a capacity for deformation that is necessary in order to engage the ring on the neck. At its top end, the skirt 20 is connected to a plate 24 that extends inwards forming a snap-fastener housing 25 having a function that is explained below. In addition, the ring 2 includes a guide wall 26 that advantageously extends upwards in alignment with the skirt 20. A dispenser system 3, specifically a pump, is engaged in the snap-fastener housing 25 of the ring 2. The pump 3 includes a body 31 defining an inlet 32 at its bottom end, and a collar 33 at its top end, which collar is engaged by snap-fastening inside the housing 25. The pump 3 also includes an actuator rod 34 that is movable downwards and upwards inside the body 3. The actuator rod 34 projects out from the body and receives an actuator head 35 that is in the form of a pusher. Thus, by pressing on the pusher 35, the actuator rod 34 is moved inside the body 31, thereby dispensing a dose of fluid. This pump is entirely conventional in the fields of pharmacy or of cosmetics.

As mentioned above, the ring 2 is for fastening the pump 3 on a receptacle that is designated by the numerical reference 4. The receptacle, that is shown only in part, includes a neck 40 that defines an opening that puts the inside of the receptacle into communication with the outside. The neck 40 defines an annular top end edge 41 and an outer peripheral shoulder 42. The fastener ring 2 co-operates with the neck by engaging the catches 23 below the shoulder 42. In order to achieve sealing, a neck gasket 27 is compressed between the top edge 41, and the plate 24 of the ring 2. To get below the shoulder 42, the catches 23 must firstly pass beyond the shoulder 42. This is possible as a result of the tabs 21 being able to deform radially outwards so as to pass over the shoulder 42. After passing over the shoulder, the catches 23 can be received, at least in part, below the shoulder 42. In entirely conventional manner, the covering hoop 1 is mounted on the fastener ring 2 in such a manner as to block the tabs 21 around the neck 40. To do this, the inside wall 15 of the covering hoop comes into clamping contact with the outside wall of the ring that is formed by the skirt 20 and by the guide wall 26.

The grooves 16 and 17, together with their intersections 18 if any, participate greatly in holding the covering member on the fastener ring against turning and against traction. The material constituting the ring creeps into the array of grooves. To do this, it is preferable for the diameter of the inside wall to be slightly less than the outside diameter of the wall of the ring at the skirt and/or at the guide wall. The different orientations of the grooves 16 and 17 provide retention both in turning and in traction.

The grooves 16 and 17 can be formed by removing or displacing material. However, displacing material is preferred since it does not generate any debris. Forming any kind of grooves by displacing material is a method that can be protected in itself, independently of the shape or of the orientation of the grooves.

Reference is made below to FIG. 2 in order to explain the macroscopic structure of the array of grooves formed by displacing material, e.g. by embossing or by knurling. As mentioned above, the grooves 16 extend from bottom left to top right, whereas the grooves 17 extend from bottom right to top left. The grooves 16 and 17 are formed with a substantially triangular or pointed profile, such that each groove defines a groove bottom line 161, 171, and two inclined groove flanks 162, 163 and 172, 173. The grooves 16 and 17 cross at intersections 18. The groove-bottom lines 161 and 171 intersect, whereas the flanks 162 join the flanks 172, and the flanks 163 join the flanks 173.

Given that the grooves are formed by displacing material, the material that was originally in the grooves is displaced over the edges of the grooves in such a manner as to form lumps of material 19 that can be in the form of a ridge that projects from the base zone 151. More precisely, the lump 19 can include a flank 191 that is adjacent to the grooves, and another flank 192 that is adjacent to the base zone 151. It should thus be observed in FIG. 2 that the base zone 151 is bordered by four lumps 19. It can thus be said that the base zone 151 is set back from the lozenge-shaped crest that is formed by the four lumps 19. A setback is thus created that also participates in causing the hoop to catch on the ring. The material constituting the fastener ring is deformed by the lumps 19, such that the ring material penetrates into the setbacks, thereby creating an additional anchor point. It should also be observed that the lumps 19 include sharp edges that also encourage the hoop to catch on the ring.

The array of grooves formed by displacing material thus offer numerous catch portions in relief, namely the grooves 16 and 17, but also the lumps 19 that form lozenge-shaped setbacks having respective bottom lands that are constituted by the base zone 151.

In a variant, the grooves can be replaced by ribs in such a manner as to obtain a negative array that is constituted by depressions that are surrounded by projecting peripheries. The overall configuration can be likened to a juxtaposition of setbacks or cells. By way of example, the ribs could be formed by knurling with a knurling wheel, forming projecting spikes that form depressions, setbacks, or cells. The displaced material constitutes the ribs in the form of projecting ridges. Protection can also be sought for such a hoop having an array of ribs. 

1. A covering member (1) for mounting on a fastener ring (2), the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener device for fastening a dispenser system (3), such as a pump or a valve, on a receptacle neck (40), the covering member presenting a general configuration that is substantially cylindrical and that includes an outside wall (14) and an inside wall (15) for coming into clamping contact around the ring (2), the inside wall forming an array of grooves (16, 17) hollowed out in a base zone (151), the covering member being characterized in that the grooves extend in at least two different directions.
 2. A covering member according to claim 1, in which at least two grooves (16, 17) cross in such a manner as to form at least one intersection (18) of grooves.
 3. A covering member according to claim 1, in which one fraction of the grooves (16) extends in a first direction, and another fraction of the grooves (17) extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.
 4. A covering member according to claim 1, in which the grooves extend in such a manner as to form a grid of lozenge shapes.
 5. A covering member according to claim 1, in which the grooves extend in a repetitive pattern.
 6. A covering member according to claim 1, in which the grooves are formed by displacing material, such that the grooves are bordered by lumps of displaced material that project from the base zone (151).
 7. A method of manufacturing a covering member according to claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: a) making a covering member by stamping metal; and b) machining the grooves by removing material.
 8. A method of manufacturing a covering member according to claim 5, the method comprising the following steps: a) making a covering member by stamping metal; and b) machining the grooves by displacing material.
 9. A fluid dispenser comprising a receptacle, a dispenser system, and a fastener device that integrates a covering member according to any preceding claim.
 10. A fluid dispenser according to claim 9, in which the base (151) presents an inside diameter that is slightly less than the outside diameter of the fastener ring, such that the material constituting the ring creeps into the array of grooves. 